ORR: North Carolina’s duty to protect victims

The North State Journal editorial (“Raise the age now, but pause on Marsy’s law,” May 3) regarding House Bill 551, also known as Marsy’s Law, unfortunately simply got it wrong in a variety of ways. As one of many individuals who strongly support Marsy’s Law, I find it necessary to set the record straight for the benefit of your readers and all those victims of crime across North Carolina who are advocating for passage of this legislation.

I have spent my career on the front lines of the legal community in North Carolina as a lawyer for over 40 years, including 18 of those years as a judge on our Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. I have also worked as a practicing lawyer, represented defendants and, as an acting district attorney, also prosecuted defendants. I know full well the challenges out there and the terrible consequences that victims of crime face. Read more...